Comfortable Sedation Dentistry in St. Louis, MO

Sedation dentistry in St. Louis, MO, for anxiety, special needs, and complex dental care. Safe, comfortable treatment options available.

If you or a loved one struggles with dental anxiety, a sensitive gag reflex, or special healthcare needs, you’re not alone—and you’re not without options. At The Dental Anesthesia Center in St. Louis, MO, we specialize in sedation dentistry that prioritizes comfort, safety, and a stress-free experience.

Whether you’re avoiding the dentist out of fear or require complex dental treatment, sedation can change your relationship with oral health.

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The Dental Anesthesia Center: Sedation and Sleep Dentistry

Based on 108 reviews

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Whitney S.

I cannot say enough wonderful things about The Dental Anesthesia Center and Dr. Thoms. My 7-year-old, who has autism, recently had dental work done here and the experience exceeded expectations. The staff was incredibly kind, patient, and understanding of his needs. They took the time to make him and us feel comfortable, never rushed, and explained everything. I am so grateful for this office and the team that made my son's dental care possible. I would recommend The Dental Anesthesia Center and Dr Thoms to any parent, especially those with children who have special needs. They truly go above and beyond. ❤️

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your thoughtful review and kind words! We’re truly grateful for your trust in our team and Dr. Thoms. Knowing your visit was a positive and comfortable experience means the world to us — it’s exactly what we strive for with every patient and family. 💙

Joy H.

Very patient with elderly patients. Very good experience.

Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your feedback! We’re pleased to know the visit was a positive experience.

Carla B.

My son has been a patient of Dr Michael Hoffman since he was 5 years old. He is now 21 years old. My son has diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and therefore I am cautious of who I select as a treatment provider. Dr. Hoffman’s office is professional, kind and I know they have his best interest at heart. I highly recommend Dr. Hoffman and staff to anyone seeking dental care.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and recommendation! We truly appreciate your trust in our team over the years.

Paul

Super experience. Gentle and empathetic. All round care is great. Staff are wonderful.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind review! We’re so glad you had a great experience with our team.

Nancy S.

We are forever grateful for Dr Hoffman and his wonderful staff for having the vision of how to get necessary dental work done for patients who are dealing with autism and cannot tolerate it without dental anesthesia. We have been taking our adult daughter there once a year for the last four years. Thanks to Dr Hoffman’s vast knowledge and expertise, our daughter has been able to get wisdom teeth removed, cavities filled, teeth cleaned and detailed X-rays to know exactly what needed done. The Dental Anesthesia Center is a great service to the community. Thank you so much for helping us.

Response from the owner:hank you so much for your thoughtful review and kind words about our team! We truly appreciate your trust in us and are honored to provide care in a way that helps make dental treatment more comfortable and accessible for all patients. Your feedback means a great deal to our entire staff.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry involves the use of medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. It’s beneficial for:

• Severe dental anxiety or phobia
• Patients with developmental disabilities or special needs
• Children who can’t sit still or fear dental instruments
• Patients needing extensive or multiple treatments

There are different levels of sedation, ranging from mild (you’re awake but calm) to deep (you’re fully asleep under general anesthesia).

Types of Sedation We Offer in St. Louis

At our practice, we’re one of the few in Missouri to offer the full spectrum of sedation options:

1. Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

• Quick onset and wears off fast
• Ideal for mild anxiety
• You can drive yourself home afterward

2. Oral Conscious Sedation

• Take it as a pill before your appointment
• Makes you feel deeply relaxed but still awake
• Great for moderate anxiety

3. IV Sedation

• Administered intravenously for deeper sedation
• Fast-acting and customizable during the procedure
• You’ll need someone to drive you home

4. General Anesthesia

• Complete sleep-like state
• Performed by a board-certified anesthesiologist
• Ideal for high-anxiety, medically complex, or special needs patients

Why Choose Sedation Dentistry in St. Louis at DAC?

• Board-certified anesthesia team on staff
• Special needs and pediatric experience
• Trusted by local physicians and hospitals
• Compassionate, one-on-one consultations
• Safe options for patients who’ve had bad experiences elsewhere

We aren’t a general dental office that “also offers sedation”—this is our core expertise.

Is Sedation Dentistry Right for You?

If any of these sound familiar, sedation may be a life-changing option:

• You haven’t been to the dentist in years out of fear
• You’ve experienced trauma during a past dental visit
• You or your child has physical, cognitive, or sensory needs
• You need a lot of dental work, but want to do it in one visit

Serving St. Louis and Surrounding Areas

We proudly serve patients throughout:

• St. Louis, MO
• Kirkwood
• Webster Groves
• Clayton
• Chesterfield
• St. Charles County